Chapter One Hundred Twenty-one Returning the RV to the rental lot had taken longer than he'd anticipated. Even though they'd packed and gotten everything ready to stuff in the back of the BMW, they still found things they'd forgotten around every corner. The car smelled clean and fresh until they got inside, reeking of camp smoke. Liam had a fit when Nate forgot his stuffed wolf, so they had to pull over--on the freeway, no less--and dig it out of the trunk. When they finally pulled in to the driveway, he was so ready for a hot shower that he could almost feel it already. "We need to stop by my parent's house," Lindy announced, just as the gate opened. [Damn.] The shower would obviously have to wait. "Why, what's going on?" "I'm not sure, really. When I called Mom while we were at the rental place, and she asked us to come over. They wanted to talk about something." She looked at Nate, an eyebrow arched. "You didn't tell them about the house and they're already hitting us up for vacation time?" He shook his head, smirking slightly. "No, not yet." Driving through the gate, he headed directly for Jess's house. In the back seat, Liam had tossed his stuffed wolf on the floor and was whining as he tried to reach it. Lindy turned and handed it to him. "You know, I hadn't even thought about it, but that would be a good idea--our family could use the house while we aren't there. There'd be no point in having a full house staff when no one's around." "I'm sure my parents would appreciate the chance to get away. Or maybe we could do a rental place? You know, sort of a timeshare situation. That way the staff could be working while we weren't there." Liam threw the plush wolf down on the floor and started whining again, more to see if his parents were paying attention. Dutifully, Lindy picked it up and handed it to him again. "I don't know about that...I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with strangers being there. Maybe employees that you're familiar with from work, but they'd have to be trustworthy. And I think we'd have to hire a manager to make sure everything is being taken care of." Pulling in to the driveway, Nate stopped in front of the large house and noticed that Amanda was sitting outside on the wraparound porch. Gabbing away on the phone, she didn't seem to notice them. "Looks like she's getting more comfortable with friends here?" "Yeah," Lindy said as she opened the door. "She's finally come out of her shell a bit and made some friends. Now we'll be lucky if we ever see her off the phone." She opened the back door and plucked Liam out of the car seat. Waiting for Nate to take her outstretched hand, they walked together towards the porch. Amanda took one look at them walking towards her, stood up, and walked back in the house. Chuckling, Nate shook his head. "I can see she's thrilled we're home." "She's probably just telling Mom we're here." "Ten bucks says she's nowhere in sight once we're in the door." "Nah, she'll be there," Lindy said smugly. "She'll want to know if we got her anything." She opened the front door. "We're home," she called out. She inhaled deeply. "Okay, something's definitely up, Nate." "Why'd you say that?" "Because Mom made brownies. Whenever there's a 'family discussion,' she bakes." "Sounds good to me. I was thinking about making something when we got home anyway." Putting his hand on her lower back, he gestured for her to go in ahead of him. "We're in here," Alex called out, from the direction of the living room. "Uh oh, they've already gathered. You don't think they've decided to stake me after all?" "Over my dead body," she said playfully. They walked into the living room where Jess, Walter, and Alex had all piled on the couch, and Amanda was holding a rather upset looking Montel. And much as Lindy had predicted, there was a plate of fresh brownies on the coffee table. "Welcome back," Walter said. "How was the camping trip?" "It was great. We found a beautiful place, had good food, and most importantly--we had a bed and a toilet! It's the only way to camp." Slouching into the recliner, Nate tugged Lindy down on his lap. Both as a show of affection...and to use her as a shield. "So...what's with the serious faces? I feel like we're about to face a firing squad." "Sorry," Jess said, blushing slightly. "It's been a draining night for me, and I guess my mood is rubbing off. Oh, you were right, Lindy. Bryn and Anton are having a girl." "Mom, don't try to change the subject," Lindy said, not even feeling a slight thrill of vindication. "What's wrong?" "Nothing's wrong," Alex assured. The trio were holding hands, and a silent moment of communication seemed to pass through them. "We just wanted to tell you that after fourteen years, we've finally decided to make it official. We're all getting married." Lindy let out a small squeal and got up to hug them, leaving Liam to wander after her. Somewhat confused, Nate said, "Is that possible? I mean, most states won't even allow gay marriages?" "Well, it wouldn't be anything recognized legally," Walter said. "Yeah," Jess said, returning Lindy's hug. "This is more something for us. Something to acknowledge our relationship." "And this is assuming we can find someone willing to perform a ceremony," Alex added. "I bet I could think of someone who would," he said, standing up. Guiding Liam around the coffee table, Nate shook Walter and Alex's hands in congratulations, and hugged Jess. "This is great news. And I bet I also know a place where you could have the ceremony, if you don't mind leaving the main land for a while." "We're going to Hawaii again, huh?" Amanda asked. "Yes, if you want," Lindy said. "That was Nate's anniversary gift to to me. A place for us in Kauai. When were you wanting to do this?" "We figured early August would be good. That way we're not interfering with either your or Bryn and Anton's anniversary," Alex said. "That would work for us," Nate said, snagging a brownie. Seeing him do it, Liam quickly reached for his own brownie and let out an angry growl when Nate snatched his hand away. "Hey! Watch it, Buddy. You come over here with me and I'll give you some of mine." Looking at the others, he shook his head. "Werewolves." Jess looked mock insulted. "Hey, that's a perfectly good instinct that you're insulting." Alex shook his head. "You were saying that you know someone, Nate, who might be willing to perform the ceremony?" "Yeah," he said, around a bite of brownie. Liam was zealously grabbing for his own bite. "You remember Zenobia? I think she does that kind of stuff. I'll have to ask her. I'm not sure just what qualifications she has, but it sounds like something she'd do. And if not, anyone can get certified over the internet to perform wedding ceremonies. Besides, if it's not going to be seen as legal by any state, you don't exactly need a legal official to perform it, either." "We'd appreciate it if you'd ask her," Walter said. "We still need to let Anton and Sabryn know." He looked out the window. "The sun will be up soon. We should let you head on home. We just couldn't wait to share the news." Nate nodded, "I'm glad you did. Congratulations again. And I'm just glad you didn't want to stake me!" Lindy laughed at the quizzical look all the older werewolves shared. "It's a long story," she said, not wanting to explain Nate's reasoning. "We'll give you a call at sunset and start working on plans." She hugged each of her parents in turn. "Congratulations." The day couldn't come soon enough, but when it was finally time to get in the car and go, Bryn couldn't seem to let go of Max. Standing in Jess's doorway, her lips pressed to the baby's head, she glanced uncertainly at Anton. It was their first anniversary, and she knew she should've been excited for a whole four days to have him all to herself. But being away from home, and more importantly away from Max, would be awfully hard. Even Petunia, who standing between them and the car, didn't seem to want them to go. "I guess we should get going, huh?" she asked, not sounding very convinced. "Yeah," Anton said. He was also reluctant to leave his son. "We should leave shortly to make sure they don't give away our reservation." "Oh don't look so gloomy," Jess said, holding her arms out to take the baby. "You can call us as soon as you get there. And trust me. In five years, you'll be begging me to take him." Bryn tried to smile, but mostly just sighed as she handed Max over. "I think he has the toys he needs to sleep with, and his blanket. And I also put one of Anton's shirts in his bag, in case he needs to smell something of his. Oh, and you can always go over to our house if he's getting homesick. There's a bunch of bottles in the bag, and diapers, too, and some snacks. He really likes those hard cookies to suck on." She scratched the back of her neck. "I don't think he'll need a pacifier, and...oh, I forgot his shampoo! It's upstairs in his bathroom. Do you need a key, or I guess you can just use the tunnel..." "We'll be fine," Jess interrupted. She smiled at them, nodding her head towards Anton's Jaguar which was packed and ready to hit the road. "Now go. Enjoy some alone time with each other. I'd tell you to make another little one like this guy, but you've already done that." Bryn blushed vividly and gasped. "Jess!" Shaking her head, she turned towards the car and grabbed Anton's sleeve. "Let's go before she sees what else she can come up with." Anton chuckled, bending to kiss Max's forehead. "We'll call you when we get there. And probably every hour on the hour. See you in four nights." "Have a good trip." As Jess whistled sharply and Petunia trotted over to her, Anton and Bryn started to the car. "I've always heard that it's hard to leave your child with someone, my dear, but I'd never thought I'd feel it firsthand." Bryn made an uneasy humming noise. "Let's not talk about it anymore, or I'll be out of the car before we leave the driveway." She purposefully kept her eyes away from Jess's porch. She didn't want to watch Max's face as they drove away. It was hard enough leaving him with Jess long enough to go to work during the week. "I really hope there's a butt-load of ghosts at this place. I need something to take my mind off of this." "Be careful what you wish for, my dear," he warned playfully, although his mind was still on Max. "I'm not sure I can promise that we'll experience ghosts, but I'm certain you'll see something paranormal there." Anton grinned at her. "All you'll have to do is roll over in bed." She smirked at him and giggled. "Just as long as it's you and not an alien." Buckling her seatbelt, she watched him starting the car. "Despite not wanting to leave him, I really am excited. I've been looking forward to this for weeks now. There's plenty of places around there where we could renew our vows...but we could just do that in our room if we want to." She slid her hand on to his thigh. "I'm game for anything you are." "Hmmm...I'm going to hold you to that, you know." He flashed her a playful grin. "We can find a place to do that when we get up there. But right now we're burning moonlight. The sooner we get up there, the sooner you can search for something that goes hump in the night." Her eyes widened and she slapped his leg, laughing out loud. "You're as bad as Jess! I'm going to be bright red for the rest of this weekend...if you do your job, that is." He looked at her with exaggerated dignity. "My dear Sabryn," he said with a trace of mock wounded pride. "Since when have I been known to shirk my duties?" "Hmmm...never. Lucky me." She half-turned in her seat, reaching for the Tupperware container she'd brought. "I know it's not a long trip, but I made us some goodies. Ever have surprise cupcakes? My mom made those sometimes when we were little." Popping open the seal, she grabbed one of the cupcakes and peeled back the wrapper so he could take a bite. He let out a moan as the chocolate cake revealed a cream cheese and chocolate chip center. "Good, huh?" she asked, excitedly. "And that's not the only surprise I have planned for you this weekend, either." Anton grinned back, his tongue emerging to lap away a blob of cream cheese on his lip. He pulled the car out onto the freeway. "I may have a trick or two up my own sleeve, my dear. I have a feeling we are going to have a fun weekend. She couldn't stop staring at his mouth, wanting to suck his tongue into hers. Unfortunately, since he was driving, she had to settle for taking a bite of cupcake instead. Chewing, she made plenty of moaning and groaning sounds. "Of course we're going to have fun. We don't even have to go anywhere special to do that. But...what kind of tricks are we talking about?" He didn't want her to see how much her sounds were affecting him. Unfortunately, all she'd have to do is look at his jeans and she'd know. "If I told you what kind of tricks I had in mind, my dear, then they wouldn't be a surprise." She made a face, then offered him another bite of the cupcake. Swallowing, she watched him chew. It was a good thing it was a short drive to the lodge, or they'd have to take advantage of a rest stop sooner or later. Watching him get dressed that night as she lazily cuddled Max in bed had been a rare treat. Most days she had to leave for the gallery early, and only got the pleasure of waking him up after she'd dressed herself. She couldn't help leaning over now to smell his cologne. "You smell good. I think that stuff get wasted on the girls in the warehouse. You should keep it in your car and put it on just before you come home." "You also think that I should take off my clothes just after I come home too. Not that I mind, my dear," he teased. Lifting one hand, he gently stroked her thigh. "So what would you like to do first when we get there? Go ghost hunting? Get something to eat? Retire to our room?" Her eyes lit up with his last suggestion. "What do you think?" Grinning, she leaned against him and settled her head on his shoulder as he drove. "I think the ghost hunting can wait. They say that the dining room is the most haunted, because a little girl once drowned in the creek that runs through it. But that was before the lodge was there. Maybe we'll be able to see her when we're eating dinner?" "Perhaps, my dear." Although well aware of the reputation of the lodge being haunted, Anton didn't quite believe it. He wondered how many of the 'ghostly occurrences' there were actually due to staff members trying to keep up the reputation of a haunted hotel. Bryn couldn't wait. She'd loved scary stuff as a kid (as long as it didn't involve aliens, that is), and found that it only got better with age. Although she was well aware most things that spooked her were fake, it was still fun to cling to Anton's side, shivering until he wrapped her tightly in his arms. It didn't really matter what scared her as long as he was around. She knew he'd protect her from anything. Heading south on the freeways, it was about an hour and a half before they arrived at the Brookdale Lodge. During that time, Bryn had fed Anton another muffin, and Anton had contemplated pulling over to devour Bryn. But it would be better to arrive at the hotel than to be constantly worrying about someone checking out a seemingly abandoned car. And more spacious as well. Instead of being in the hotel proper, he had reserved the Honeymoon Cottage with it's three rooms, river rock fireplace, and in room Jacuzzi. Bryn was bouncing when they finally began unloading the car. "This is so cool!" With a suitcase, the Tupperware container under her arm, and a garment over it, she followed Anton into the cottage, eyes wide with enthusiasm. "I can't believe you've never been here before. It's such a neat place. We'll have to go exploring later." Dropping her bags on the overstuffed couch, she breathed in the fresh air. "First, of course, I'm going to explore you." Anton gave her a slow, sexy grin. He felt in his pocket, making sure the gold foil wrapped box was still there. "Are you sure you want to do that, my dear. Or would you rather explore our anniversary presents first?" She let out a little squeak. "That sounds like fun, too." Reaching down to unzip the suitcase, she slipped out a small package of her own and then grabbed his hand. "Let's go in the bedroom so you can strip out of your clothes while I open mine." Anton let her tug him towards the bedroom. Smiling, he sat down on the full sized bed, pulling the box about five inches by two inches by one inch out of his jacket pocket. "This is for you. Which would you like to unwrap first. It or me?" "Both! But since I'm not that agile, I'll open this one first. You'll take longer." She grinned at him, reaching for the box. She tore into the fancy foil wrapping paper with glee, sitting down on the bed to face him. When she lifted the top of the small box, her eyes lit up. He watched as she reverently lifted the necklace out of the box's cotton padding. It was a broad herringbone link, wrapping around eight white flawless diamonds. "One stone for each of our lifetimes together. I thought you might like a change from rubies." "It's gorgeous!" She stroked her shaking fingers over the cut jewels, her eyes watering. Looking up at him, she smiled widely. "I love it. Will you put it on me?" Anton nodded. "Of course, Sabryn." He watched as she turned her back to him and lifted her hair. He studied the nape of her neck before leaning forward. He lightly began to kiss her neck lightly along her hairline as he placed the necklace around her. It was more of a choker style, so it rested high on her chest. When the clasp was firmly set, his hands went to her shoulders, holding her as he continued to kiss and nip her neck. She let out a soft sigh, lifting her hands to squeeze his. "I can't wait to see what it looks like. Thank you, sugar. I love it. And I love you a million times more." Leaning back in to his caresses, she slid her hands around his back. "Now I'm all ready to strip you...but I guess you'll probably want your present first, huh?" "Oh, I don't know about that, Bryn." His hand slid down her arm around to cup her stomach, to cradle that life growing within her. "I'd say I've already got it right here." Turning her head to the side, she kissed his jaw, then his cheek, and finally his mouth. She scooted back even tighter against him, enjoying his heat and strength. Unbelievably, they'd been married a year and were on their second child. She felt more blessed than anyone had a right to be. "I love you so much, Anton." "And I love you so much, Sabryn." He kissed her back gently, lightly stroking her belly. It was hard to believe that they had only been married just a year sometimes, and others it seemed like they just walked down the aisle the day before. He pressed his lips to her ear. "So should I start unwrapping my present?" "Do you mean me or the box, because I'll go for either one," she said, grinning. Anton's hand now brushed up her stomach to cup one full breast. "In that case..." He continued to kiss her ear as he squeezed her breast, circling his thumb around her nipple. "You spoil me, my dear. Because you give me a wondrous gift every day we are together." She let out a soft sigh, sliding her hands down his back and on to his ass. Lightly squeezing the hard globes, she jumped slightly when she felt him squeeze her in return. "Mmm, first a gorgeous necklace and now a bunch of compliments. Are you sure you aren't buttering me up for something?" she teased. "Not that I mind. Just what is this wondrous gift I give you every day?" Anton's voice was completely sincere. "Your love." He tilted back onto the bed, twisting so he ended up on his side, she on her back. Anton's fingers traced over the necklace. "You deserve this, my dear. And so much more than I could ever give you." She looked up and met his gaze, his tone of voice making her chest ache. "I wish I knew how you do that. You manage to make me sound like a saint or something." Blinking, she reached up to take his hand, threading their fingers together. "I don't give you anything more than you give me a million times over. You love me, and you make me feel safe...even when I have a bodyguard shadowing my every move. Everything you do is precious to me." He chokes slightly, smiling gently as he stroked back her hair. "I cannot tell you how beautiful you are, my dear. Or how much you mean to me." His fingers started to stroke down her neck, feeling her pulse pound at the base of her neck. Her creamy skin was so pale against the black of her shirt he had to lean over and taste it. Anton gently kissed the base of her throat and than ran his tongue just below the curve formed by the necklace. She shivered lightly and turned in his arms to face him, unable to stand not being able to touch him. Pushing her fingers in to his hair, she kissed him deeply, passionately, sucking on his tongue. Using her leverage, she pushed him back on the bed and settled on top of him. She moaned softly when he squeezed her ass. He smiled up at her, his hands restlessly roaming all over her body. His hips twitched below hers, almost like he was already thrusting into her welcoming sex. Eventually his hands stopped on her full breasts, each nipple poking the center of his palm. Grinning even as they kissed, he squeezed lightly. Rolling her hips, she rubbed herself against his crotch, wanting him inside her. He was so incredibly sexy to her, she couldn't ever imagine going through a night without wanting him. A lot of marriages lost the passion after the first year or two, due to every day stresses and other causes. She prayed that never happened to them, even hundreds of years later. She always wanted to want him--and was determined he'd always want her, too. He continued to wiggle underneath her, deliberately rubbing his cock against the center seam of her tan jeans. "So, Bryn," he said with a smirk. "Are you going to let me open this present?" He squeezed her breasts, lifting them slightly. "Or better yet, why don't you open it for me. Nice and slowly." Sitting up, she deliberately dragged her pelvis against him and fought the urge to moan from the friction. Reaching for the hem of her v-neck shirt, she crossed her arms and slowly lifted them above her head, revealing more of her bare torso, and stretching her body. She felt the light twitch of his body as her sheer bra came in to view, exposing her hard nipples as they strained to get free. Peeling the shirt over her head and off her arms, she tossed it carelessly behind her and shook her hair over her shoulders. Keeping her eyes on his, she slid her fingers over her nipples and lightly squeezed. He bit back a moan, but reached up to grab her wrists and pulled them away from her body. "I asked you to unwrap my present, my dear, not play with it." His hands then covered her breasts, playing with her nipples through the silky fabric. She smiled at him, leaning against his touch. Reaching down, she tugged open the button on her tan hip-hugger jeans and slowly lowered the zipper to show her tiny panties. From the small patch he could see, they were just as sheer as the bra. Leaving her pants the way they were to tease him, she put her arms behind her back and unhooked her bra, letting the straps slide down her arms, until the only thing holding the garment in place was his hands. "Now that is torture, my dear," Anton said conversationally. "I want to take off your bra, but I don't want to stop touching you." He continued to squeeze and rub her nipples, his eyes wide. "Do you know how hard you can get me when I see your bare skin? All it has to be is the back of your neck, and I have to have you." "I guess I don't need to explain why don't I like wearing clothes at home, then." Pushing against his hands, she leaned forward to kiss him, her arms extended above his head, belly pressing to his. His body was like a rock beneath, with plenty of hard muscle and immovable strength. But he was also very warm and comforting, easing all of her ache...save one. He'd get to that soon enough. "I want you, sugar." She was soft and pliable against his body. Anton's hands swept up and down her back, letting her bra fall free He smiled as he kissed her, marveling at the softness of her skin. He wanted her just as badly, but didn't want to stop touching her. "Get the rest of these clothes off of me, my dear, and you can have me." Pushing herself up just enough to unbutton his shirt, she flung her bra out of the way and got to work. He was breathing heavily as he watched her leaning over him, her hair and breasts swaying as she moved. The more skin she bared, the more she had to kiss it, with lips and tongue, making her way to each brown nipple to pull it in her mouth. Stripping the sides of his shirt aside, she slid her hands up his smooth torso, gliding back up his height to take his mouth again, kissing him as she smashed her breasts to his chest. He purred underneath her, wiggling his hips underneath her. He slipped his hands between their bodies to unzip her jeans further. He slipped his hands between the fabric and her skin, scooting her jeans down. One set of long fingers curled around her buttock, tickling the inside of her thigh. Gasping, she backed into his touch and tried to steer him to where she wanted him. Pushing his shirt over his shoulders, she tugged the sleeves down and yanked the shirt out from under him. Bryn began unfastening his pants, deliberately rubbing her knuckles against the fabric and stimulating him as much as possible. But she didn't pull his pants down yet...she wasn't about to stop what he was doing. He continued to shift restlessly under her, his fingers still tickling her thigh. She appeared to enjoy his touch as much as he did hers. The friction and arousal had gotten him hard earlier, but now he felt like stone solid under her light teasing. "This what you want, Bryn?" he murmured, his fingers shifting to rub along the crease of her ass. "This what you want me to give you?" "Yeah...lower..." She wiggled her hips more, lifting her ass, in the hopes of showing him where to go. When his fingertips skimming over the lips of her sex, she gasped and spread her legs a little wider. "Mmm!" Anxious for more, she began tugging his pants and boxers down his legs. He had a dreamy look on his face as she finally stripped him of his slacks and underwear. Anton's finger lightly pressed between the lips of her sex to tease her. "Now do you really want this, my dear?" he asked as he just barely brushed against her clit. "Or would you rather have something wider pressing you here?" She whimpered, kicking their clothes off the bed and climbing back up close to him. "I want this," she said, straddling his hips and taking hold of his cock. Too impatient to wait for him to do it, she centered him against the opening of her sex and slowly began sliding down the length of him. Biting her lip as he stretched and filled her. His hands moved to her hips to help guide her. Anton arched beneath her, a contented rumble filling the air. His hips began a slow, almost lazy paced, thrust, pausing at the peak of each movement. "You feel wonderful, my dear. It's hard to believe that it's only been a year. It's gone so quickly, and yet so slowly. And best of all, it's just the first of many we'll be spending together." Bryn smiled at him, leaning over to kiss him. She was squeezing him tight, pulling at him with her hips. They always managed a perfect rhythm, moving in unison like one undulating wave. Pulling away from his mouth with a light suck at his lower lip, she said, "More than many. I'll be spending the rest of time with my best friend in the whole world. My heart and soul." Anton pulled her tighter against him, kissing and nipping at her lip. They were in perfect sync with each other, his lunges meeting her thrusts perfectly. And the friction and heat being formed there warmed Anton's soul as well as his body. His hands tightened around her waist and then traveled up to hold her shoulders. One hand tangled in her long hair as he kissed her deeply, his tongue stroking over hers. Moaning, she stroked her fingers over his chest and squeezed her thighs against his hips. He felt so perfect beneath her she didn't want to ever stop. It was finally beginning to sink in that he really would be hers forever. That he loved her that much. That it didn't matter if she was fat, or scarred, or ugly. He loved her soul, her heart, and her mind. And he loved her body because it gave him pleasure. Her mistakes and faults didn't shame her in his eyes...if anything, they were all the more precious because they were hers. It was exactly the way she felt about him. And words didn't seem to be enough. "I love you, Anton. I love you so much it makes me fly." "I love you so much, my dear goddess of my heart and keeper of my soul." He continued to push into her at a steady pace, one he could keep up for a long while. She was everything to him. He could survive without her, but it would merely be survival. He wouldn't live without her. His hands then stroked around to her front to caress her breasts. She kissed him again, rubbing her nose against his, enjoying being pressed so close to him. His cologne was woodsy and slightly tart, making her nose tingle pleasurably. "Talk to me, sugar. I want to hear your voice. It excites me." He smiled as the slightly needy tone in her voice. "Do you know how beautiful you are when we make love, Bryn?" he asked, his hands tightening on her chest. "Your skin gets this soft sheen and your eyes are as bright as stars. Your hair feels as soft as mink against my skin. And your sex grips my cock so tightly sometimes I don't think I can move." He gave a particularly forceful shove. "Although right now I don't seem to be having any problems." Bryn let out a shallow gasp and squeezed him even tighter in response. "Mmm...you look like a Roman god to me. So powerful and handsome." Panting softly, she swiveled her hips. "Sometimes you're having your way with me, making me worship you. And then you decide to surrender yourself and let me ride you, but even then you look in control." Sitting up, she pressed her hand and his shoulder and began moving a bit faster. "Some day...I think I'd like to see you lose that control with me." "Are you sure about that, my dear?" One hand came up to comb through the hair at her temple. He had come precariously close to losing control that one time in Australia after watching the execution. And the other times he had been tempted to feed on her while they were being intimate. "When you're Transformed, I'll give that power to you." "Yesss," she said, grabbing his hand. She slid his fingers down her face and opened her mouth, sucking them inside. Moving her mouth up and down, she sucked strongly, then released them to rub his wet fingers over her lips. "I want that very much." Bryn let out a low moan as he moved his hand down to tug at her nipple. "I want to see you go wild. I want you to give me everything...everything you have trapped inside you. I want everything that you've never let anyone else see. Will you give that to me?" "Yessss..." he hissed, arching beneath her. "I'll give you everything I have." His fingers tweaked her nipples, watching her gasp and writhe above him. She looked so wanton, so beautiful, as his hands caressed her, playing her body like a finely tuned instrument. "I want you to let loose now, Bryn. Show me what you're feeling." Letting her head fall forward, Bryn began rocking back and forth with him deep inside her, gripping as much of his length as she could, wanting to feel him everywhere. Grinding herself on him, she grabbed his bent knees tightly and let her moans come as they would. No longer stifling the sound in case someone might hear her. And she kept her eyes locked with his gaze, letting him see the vulnerability there, the urgent need, and naked desire. He let out a loud, almost painful sounding grunt. The feeling of her walls griping his cock tight was incredible. It felt like liquid heat was surrounding him, engulfing him. Giving a drawn out moan, he pushed up hard as he thumbed her nipples, cumming deep inside of her. Continuing to squeeze him and move through his orgasm, she milked him with her muscles. Panting softly, she settled down on his stomach, lying limply against him, with her cheek pressed to his damp skin. She could hear his heart pounding, and closed her eyes as the sound soothed her. "I love you." His arms went around her back, holding her firmly against her body. "I love you too, Bryn." Taking her with him, he rolled over so she was on her back, he nestled on his side against her. His cock had slipped out of her, but his hand started to slip down her body, coming to rest between her legs. His fingers slipped into her entrance, his thumb brushing against her clit. Bryn turned on her side to face him, scooting close so she could wrap her arms around him, and lifted her thigh over his hip. She pressed her face to his neck, hugging him tightly, and felt tears begin to flow. He never let her be disappointed, always made sure he did all he could to please her. And it made her chest ache. His selflessness touched her in a way he'd never know, and his kindness took her breath away. He kissed her mouth lovingly, stroking and rubbing her clit as his fingers pumped in and out of her. Anton nipped at her lower lip, lashing his tongue against it. He moved his other hand around so he could pluck at one nipple. His breathing was heavy as he rubbed her body, trying to please her every way he could Gasping and whimpering, she rocked her hips in opposition to his movements, thrusting back against his fingers. She gripped his shoulders from behind, kissing him greedily. "More," she whispered, between nips of his mouth. "I want more!" Anton pushed a third finger inside her, moving his hand faster than before, and her body arched against him, muscles tightening in anticipation. Her fingers dug in to his shoulders, nails lightly pinching his skin, and she screamed when she started to cum, writhing and shuddering in his arms. He continued to pump throughout her orgasm. Only when she seemed to be calming down did he hook his fingers, catching that one spot inside of her. He grinned, pleased with himself, when she let out another shriek and jolted beneath him. "That's right, Bryn," he whispered in her ear. "Let go for me. Let me see how you're feeling." "Oh!" She twisted against him, clawing at his arm as if wanting him to stop...only to press her hand down over his, keeping it firmly between her legs. Mouth open, she let her head fall back to the pillow, twitching with each touch. Shivering with excitement. Her sex grabbed at his fingers, squeezing tight. With only a few more passes of his finger, she gasped and began to cum again. He watched her expression intently, almost hungrily. Leaning further over her, he kissed her mouth, sucking on her tongue as he continued to stroke her though her orgasm. Eventually he pulled back just far enough to whisper against her lips. "I do like my present, my dear." Panting heavily, she smiled at him with heavy-lidded eyes. "I like mine, too. All of them." She grabbed the hand between her legs and slid it up her stomach. "Especially my Christmas present. Actually, both Christmas presents." Then, sliding her fingers through his hair, she smiled again. "And my forever present. That one is the best present in the whole wide world." His fingers gently squeezed her stomach as he smiled. "You have given me so much, Sabryn. Made so many dreams of mine that I thought were impossible come true. I am continually awed and humbled by your love, my dear, as well as the fact that you act like you're the lucky one." He leaned down and kissed the scar on her neck. "I couldn't ask for a better eternal companion, Sabryn Lailah Rudenko." Bryn wrapped her arms around him, sliding her hands in wide circles over his warm back. "Only eight more months to wait until you Transform me." She lifted his hand to her lips, kissing his wedding ring. "And that will be our real wedding night." He shifted his hand until his palm was against her cheek. Anton kissed her again, gently stroking her cheek with his thumb. "I love you so much, Bryn. And I'm going to spend the rest of eternity showing you how much." "That's a long, long time," she said, smiling. "And speaking of which, I think it's about time you open your other present. I want to know what you think of it." Anton quirked an eyebrow at her. "My dear, another present? You know you are spoiling me." He sat up in bed as she reached for the box she had picked up earlier. Taking his time, he unwrapped it and lifted the lid. "You spoil me all the time. It's about time I spoiled you for a change. It's not as fancy as this," she said, touching her necklace, "but I hope you like it." She held her breath when he lifted the lid of the box to reveal tissue paper and another box inside. The smaller box had gold embossed letters, reading ROLEX. Anton arched an eyebrow as he looked at her, smiling. "Open it. I thought that since we're going to have so much time together, you might as well keep track of it." Anton picked up the box and cracked it open. His eyes didn't land on the fancy gold watch first. Instead, they were drawn to the picture tucked into the lid, the portrait of Max resting against Petunia. He plucked the picture out of the box to look closer at it. "It's beautiful, my dear. When did you find time to do this?" "I worked on it a little bit each night, before starting dinner. It took a while, but I didn't want to spend too many hours on it a night, or I'd risk you coming home and seeing it. That would ruin the surprise." She leaned against him and wrapped her arms around him from behind, putting her chin on his shoulder to look at the Polaroid. "Now you'll have two of my paintings for your office. I told you I'd help decorate." "Yes you have," Anton said, placing his arm around her and squeezed her tightly against his side. "It's a beautiful painting, my dear." He carefully put it down on the table next to the bed. Anton then looked at the gold watch. "This is beautiful also, my dear. But be careful...I might get used to being spoiled." Placing the watch next to the picture, he pulled her onto his lap and kissed her soundly. She let out a soft purr of pleasure, playing with his fingers as they kissed. "That's good...mmm...I want you...to get used to it. Every day." Lacing her fingers together with his, she sucked gently at his lower lip. Rubbing her nose against his. "Lay down with me. I'm not done with you. I think it's your turn to be on top." Anton's hand came up to cup her cheek. "I like that idea, my dear." His hand shifted to cup the back of her head as he kissed her. Gently he tilted her backwards, following so he was firmly on top of her. Bryn let out a contented sigh as his weight settled on hers, pressing her against the mattress. Her hands slid down his back and cup his ass, tucking him firmly between her thighs. "I like this. Just the two of us, with nowhere to go and nothing bothering us. I know I'll miss Max later on, but I like this time alone together. Being lazy and relaxed. I can't seem to stop smiling." "I know what you mean, my dear." He gently stroked up and down her back, teasingly stopping at the small of her back. "Although parts of you do feel a bit tense," he said, letting his hand slip down to cup her ass. "Hmm...maybe I should massage this to see if I can relax you." He started to knead her buttocks slowly. She let out a shaky sigh, lifting her hips and spreading her legs a little wider. "That feels good. I'll let you do that all day if you want to. In fact, you can massage me all over, if you'd like." Giving him a sweet smile, she wiggled herself against his growing cock. "I'd like, Bryn." Anton leaned over to whisper in her ear. "One day I am going to give you a full body massage, my dear. And I do mean full body." He pushed up slightly so he could slip his hands out from underneath her. His hands then went to her breasts, kneading in the same rhythm as he had been earlier. "Sounds wonderful! And if I can manage to crawl out of bed the next night, I might return the favor." She grinned at him. Dipping her fingers in to the cleft of his ass, she teasingly stroked the skin around and above his anus, not actually touching yet. When he jerked his hips at the sensation, she let out a low groan. His cock felt wonderful resting against her sex. "Some time I want you to tie me up again, and do naughty things to me...while I'm blindfolded, and we don't say a word." "I like that idea, Bryn." He pulled her earlobe into his mouth and sucked lightly. "And of course, turnabout is fair play." His hands on her breasts continued their lazy motions as his hips matched the rhythm. He nuzzled her neck. "You know, I brought some of my ties along if you want to make that fantasy a reality later on..." Bryn giggled. "I think you know me too well. And I'd love to. I had a lot of fun making you squirm when you were tied. Besides, I've always wanted a few good hours to touch you and explore your body. If you're tied up, I won't be interrupted by roaming hands." She glanced down to where he was squeezing her breasts. "Not that I mind roaming hands any other time." Lowering her voice to a whisper, as if fearing she might be overheard, she said, "Sometimes I fantasize about us talking to friends and for a minute you forget we're not alone, and you just start touching me like you do when we're alone. It gets me weak in the knees." "You've got quite an exhibitionistic streak, my dear." He shifted so the underside of his erect cock began to lazily rub against her clit. "I'm not sure which I want to do more. Show everyone how beautiful you are when like this, or hide you away so I'm the only one who knows what you look like." Bryn bit her lip, lifting her hips to intensify the touch. "Tell me again. Tell me I'm beautiful. When you say it, I actually believe it." "You are beautiful, my dear. So much that I ache when I look at you. Your touch is the only thing that can soothe that pain." His hips started to move faster and his voice took on a breathless tone. "Sometimes, I pretend to be asleep just so I can watch you get dressed. And when you're gone, the memory of your beauty is seared in my brain." She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, fighting the urge to cry. "You don't have to pretend to be asleep, sugar. I like knowing that you're watching me. It makes me happy that you like looking at me. I spent so many years being invisible, and so many before that being hated for who I was. I love it when you look at me. You make me feel alive, and important, and beautiful. You make me feel so loved." "Only because you are, my dear. Beautiful. Important. Alive. Loved. And you will be for all time, if I have my way." With that he rose up on his forearms, positioning himself so he could press his forehead against hers even as his cock entered her body. He let out a slight hiss as he felt her body grip him tightly. Slowly he began thrust into her. Whispering how beautiful she was the whole time. Squeezing his ass, she used her grip on him to keep him as deep inside her as she could. He didn't have a whole lot of room to thrust, but she didn't want to let him go. "That's not true, Anton. If you have your way, I won't be alive for all time...I'll be dead for all time." She smiled at him. "But I wouldn't have it any other way." "Good," he whispered, trying to thrust for all he could. Which wasn't much considering the vice like grip she had on him "Because you, my beautiful dear, are mine for all time. Just as I am yours, forever." Lifting her head a bit, she met his lips and kissed him passionately, overwhelmed with bliss, so ready to love him for the rest of time. This gorgeous, sweet, intelligent, charming, vulnerable, sexy, loving, faithful, generous, virile, and powerful man was all hers. She almost couldn't believe it. Her Anton, her husband, her best friend. Her dream-come-true. "I love you so much. Love doesn't even begin to describe it." Anton kissed her mouth deeply. "You are my heart and soul, Sabryn. Everything I have been through, everything I have done, was to teach me how to love you properly. Like you deserve." Sucking in his belly a little, he made room to slip his hand between their bodies, fingers brushing against her pubic hair. Bryn shuddered, gasping at the sensation. Lifting her hips into each thrust, she sucking in her belly as well--or as much as the baby would let her. "I hope...I can love you...like you deserve, sugar. My sweet Antosha." She pulled him down to kiss her, whimpering softly from the fullness of her chest. It felt almost as if she had all of their love, all ten of his loves, swelling in her heart. "Ya tebya lyublyu." "Ti ochen' nuzhna mne, dorogaya moya. I need you so much, my dear." He kissed her, lingering against her upper lip. His fingers slipped further down to stroke her clit. "You are my heart and soul, Sabryn Lailah Rudenko. And I love you so, so much." "Uhh!" She stared wide-eyes in to his eyes, shivering violently as she slipped into orgasm. Fingers curling around as his, she rubbed his perineum, determined to make him cum, as well. Bryn squeaked as he gave a few hard thrusts, shouting as he came. Still moving with him, shuddering with him, she rode out the last powerful waves of pleasure, her lips pressed to his. Wrapping her arms tightly around his shoulders, and her legs around his hips, she vowed to never let him go. No matter what. Anton sank against her body, eyes closed in bliss as he stayed pressed against her. He still found it hard to believe sometimes that this magnificent woman was his. He softly kissed her as he stay inside her, loathe to let her go for even a moment. "I love you, Sabryn Lailah Rudenko," he whispered against her lips. Surrounded by warmth, and full of springing endorphins, Bryn smiled widely. "I love you, Anton Mikhail Rudenko. Always have and I always will." She held his gaze for a long time, then stretched beneath him and settled back against the pillow with her eyes closed. "Mmm, I don't ever want to move from this spot. I'm so comfortable right now. But...there is something I want to do later." She opened her eyes and met his gaze. "Will you marry me tonight?" Anton arched an eyebrow, head tilting to the side as he smiled playfully. "You want to me to finally make an honest woman of you?" But his tone quickly became more serious as he rested his hand on her stomach. "My dear, if it weren't for your pregnancy, not only would I marry you tonight, I would Transform you right now if you asked." She smiled at him again, and kissed his lips. "Soon. I promise." Anton deliberately stretched above her, making a big show of flexing his muscles. "Are you hungry, my dear? Because I could do with a bite. What do you say we go to the main hotel before the restaurant closes and get something to eat." She was about to say something about being hungry for him instead, but realized that her stomach was feeling quite empty. "That sounds good to me. I just wish we could have some champagne to celebrate. Well, you can, I can't. But maybe they'll have some sparkling cider." She nudged his side, nodding to the side of the bed. "You'll have to get up before I do, booger." "Yes, I would, wouldn't I?" Anton kissed her forehead and then reluctantly got out of the bed. He looked at the clothing on the floor and then went to one of the suitcases they had brought. "I don't know if we'll see a ghost or not my dear," he said pulling out a pair of slacks and shirt, "but I think you'll enjoy tonight." He started to pull on his clothes, trying hard not to grin. "As long as there's good food, I'm sure I will." She unzipped her travel bag and pulled out her brush, easing the tangles out of her long hair. Watching him get dressed made her want him all over again. "You are so sexy," she said, putting down her brush and finding her own clean clothes. Bryn teasingly tickled his side. "I just want to eat you up." Anton squirmed away from her fingers. He then turned to watch her get dressed. He almost wanted to call off what he had planned and take her back to bed. But he thought she'd never forgive him if he canceled the surprise he had arranged. Once they were both decently covered, Anton offered her his arm. "Shall we, my dear?" "We shall," she said, smoothing down her dress and taking his arm. She'd decided to wear a red polo shirt-dress to show off her freshly shaven legs and a pair of Keds mules--shoes that looked like sneakers in the front and high-heels in the back. With her hair in a high ponytail, she felt young and sassy. With Anton on her arm, she felt important and sexy. They left their cottage and walked the short distance to the main building and the famous Brook Room. Bryn gasped when she finally saw the creek running down the center of the room in person. "Wow. That's about the coolest thing I've ever seen. I think we need one of those in our living room!" "It is quite a sight, my dear." He guided her to where the restaurant's receptionist was standing. "We have a reservation for Rudenko." The greeter checked her book, frowning before her eyes lit up in recognition. "Oh yes...please, follow me." She walked across the main floor of the dining area to one of the side rooms used for private functions. "Here you are, sir. Let me know if you need anything else." "Thank you." Anton held the door open for Bryn, and then stepped inside. Everything had been arranged as he had asked. A podium had become a makeshift altar surrounded with flowers. The minister was there, as was the man to witness and videotape the ceremony. He turned to Bryn, smiling widely. "You said something about me marrying you tonight?" She swallowed heavily and smiled at him, her head tilted slightly. "You," she said, squeezing his hand, "are amazing. I can't believe you did this." She covered her mouth, her eyes glistening slightly. "Thank you, sugar. It's wonderful." "You're welcome, Sabryn." Anton smiled back just as brightly as the love for her shining in his eyes. "Come on, my dear. Let's go get married." End Chapter One Hundred Twenty-one <- Previous Chapter | Home | Next Chapter ->